Case Studies
Helping Sainsbury's Assist their Customers
 

Contacta have negotiated a major contract with Sainsbury's to supply and fit InfoLoop induction loop systems in all their stores. The InfoLoop systems will provide assistance for the hard of hearing, as required by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA).

  With stores across the country, Sainsbury's were looking for a provider who they could rely upon to fulfil this major contract. The supermarket retailer was impressed with the technical expertise that Contacta could demonstrate, backed by the breadth and depth of experience gained over 30 years of helping service providers improve the ways they interact with the public.
 

The contract for Sainsbury's involves their entire network 530 stores. Contacta personnel carry out an audit of each store and submit recommendations for provision of induction loops. Management at Sainsbury's Head Office then make the appropriate order, and fitting is carried out by Contacta's installation team. The project is on course for completion by the end of September 2004.

 

A fair hearing for all
    Contacta Mini InfoLoop induction loops are being provided at all key positions of interaction between Sainsbury's staff and customers. This includes Customer Service Desks and selected Checkouts, as well as at the Restaurant, Kiosk, Pharmacy and Petrol Station (at stores which have these outlets).
 

Contacta Mini InfoLoop systems are fixed under the appropriate counter, with all elements of the system entirely concealed. This ensures no useful space is taken up by the system, and that there are no trailing wires to get in the way at these busy positions. The only visible element is the yellow induction loop sign that tells customers of the availability of InfoLoop assistance. To hear speech clearly, customers simply need to switch their hearing aid to the ‘T' position.

  Maintaining privacy
The aerial range of each Contacta Mini InfoLoop may be precisely adjusted to ensure that customers may stand naturally at the counter – rather than lean over or take up any other awkward position - and be assured not only of clear reception, but also that their conversation will remain private.
 

In addition, because Mini InfoLoop is designed to be always ‘ON', customers do not have to request assistance. On the contrary, assistance is always available. Currently Sainsbury's are considering further extending this principle by providing each store with a Clipboard InfoLoop. This will enable staff to provide induction loop assistance for hearing aid users anywhere in the store, and even outside in the car park.

   
InfoLoop™ - A Sound Success at Lloyds TSB
  Lloyds TSB, recently awarded the ‘Louder than Words' Charter by the RNID, chose Contacta as its supplier of induction loop systems. In this major programme, the Lloyds TSB branch network was fitted with InfoLoop technology – a project encompassing over 2000 branches throughout the UK .
  Contacta Mini InfoLoop systems are now in place at teller positions, welcome desks and interview rooms. Fixed under desk or counter, as appropriate, Mini InfoLoop ™ provides unobtrusive assistance for hearing aid wearers.
 

The simplicity and versatility of the Mini InfoLoop system, which may be configured for private one-to-one conversation or cross-table discussion involving several participants, were significant factors in selection by Lloyds TSB.

 

A complete approach
To ensure assistance is always available for customers or staff who suffer from hearing impairment, Lloyds TSB branches are also provided with Contacta Portable InfoLoop units. These table-top induction loop systems are powered by a rechargeable battery and provide the ideal solution when areas fitted with Mini InfoLoop are busy.

 
  For areas where security screens are used, Contacta also developed a bespoke SecuriCom system to meet Lloyds TSB's exact requirements. This 2-way facility, with the option of integrated InfoLoop, maintains security and hygiene for staff, whilst ensuring efficient communication and minimum inconvenience for customers.
  ‘Louder Than Words'
Lloyds TSB was awarded the ‘Louder than Words' Charter in recognition of the high quality, deaf aware service and policies the bank provides their customers and staff. Installation of Contacta InfoLoop™ systems was one of the measures Lloyds took to meet RNID Charter requirements - and to become fully DDA compliant.
  Derek Atkinson, Senior Property Manager, Compliance, at Lloyds TSB expressed satisfaction with the completion of this major project on time and within budget: “Contacta has done a great job, ensuring systems and components were delivered when and where needed, and supporting us throughout with reliable and helpful installation advice. Contacta has been an important partner in helping us achieve the RNID Charter.”
   
Sound Solutions At Work
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